US-12617047-B1 - Welding screen systems

US12617047B1US 12617047 B1US12617047 B1US 12617047B1US-12617047-B1

Abstract

Described herein are examples of systems that include a welding machine and a welding screen assembly communicatively linked to the welding machine. The welding screen assembly may include an adjustable opacity dimming screen and a coupling component configured to detachably couple the adjustable opacity dimming screen to a handpiece of the welding machine, wherein the coupling component may enable adjustable positioning of the dimming screen in relation to the handpiece. The welding screen assembly may further include a light source positioned on a side of the assembly proximal to a weld site and a control system configured to adjust the opacity of the adjustable opacity dimming screen to block excessive light during welding.

Inventors

Sharalyn Green
Brandan Green

Assignees

Everlinx LLC

Dates

Publication Date: 20260505
Application Date: 20260206

Claims (20)

1 . A system, comprising: a welding machine comprising a handpiece configured to be used in a welding application, wherein the welding application comprises welding a bracelet, necklace, or chain link; a welding screen assembly, comprising: an adjustable opacity dimming screen housed within a protective casing, wherein: the adjustable opacity dimming screen is configured to be attached to the handpiece; the protective casing is detachable and repositionable along a length of the handpiece; and the protective casing is configured to be selectively placed in a location most suitable for a specific welding application; a light source comprising a light emitting diode (“LED”) coupled to a side of the protective casing proximal to a weld site, wherein the LED is configured to: turn on in response to the welding machine being in a ready mode; and turn off in response to the welding machine being in a standby mode or a wait mode; a cable connecting the adjustable opacity dimming screen to the welding machine; a communication interface configured to establish a communication link between the welding screen assembly and the welding machine; and a control system configured to adjust an opacity of the adjustable opacity dimming screen, wherein the adjustable opacity dimming screen transitions rapidly from a transparent state to a darkened state in response to an initiation of a welding process.
2 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the adjustable opacity dimming screen comprises a liquid crystal substance or light-reactive substance configured to adjust the opacity of the adjustable opacity dimming screen in reaction to initiating the welding process by altering an optical property of the substance in response to a change in light conditions surrounding the weld site.
3 . The system of claim 1 , further comprising a communication interface for communicatively linking the welding screen assembly to the welding machine to synchronize a darkening of the screen with the welding process.
4 . The system of claim 2 , wherein: the welding screen assembly further comprises a sensor configured to detect a change in light intensity or a wavelength at the weld site; and the sensor, in response to detecting a change in light intensity or wavelength at the weld site indicative of an imminent welding process, signals the control system to darken the adjustable opacity dimming screen.
5 . The system of claim 1 , wherein: the LED is adjustable to provide variable illumination levels; and the control system is further configured to automatically adjust an intensity of the LED based on ambient lighting surrounding the weld site.
6 . The system of claim 1 , wherein: the LED is pivotally coupled to the protective casing; and the LED is configured to pivot relative to the handpiece to provide precise illumination at an angle or focal point.
7 . An assembly, comprising: an adjustable opacity dimming screen housed within a protective casing; a fastening component, wherein: the fastening component is configured to couple the protective casing to a handpiece of a welding machine; and the protective casing is configured to be adjustably positioned in relation to the handpiece according to a preferred position or viewing angle; a light source positioned on a side of the protective casing proximal to a weld site; a cable connecting the adjustable opacity dimming screen to the welding machine; and a control system configured to adjust an opacity of the adjustable opacity dimming screen, wherein the adjustable opacity dimming screen darkens rapidly before an initiation of a welding process to block excessive light during welding.
8 . The assembly of claim 7 , wherein the adjustable opacity dimming screen comprises an electrochromic material configured to adjust the opacity of the adjustable opacity dimming screen by altering an optical property of the material in response to a change in light conditions surrounding the weld site.
9 . The assembly of claim 7 , wherein the protective casing comprises a rectangular, circular, oval, or polygonal-shaped body comprising a joint configured to connect to a clamp coupled to the handpiece of the welding machine.
10 . The assembly of claim 7 , wherein the adjustable opacity dimming screen is coupled directly to the handpiece of the welding machine.
11 . The assembly of claim 7 , wherein the control system is further configured to: autonomously detect whether a communication link is established between the welding screen assembly and the welding machine; and in response to the communication link not being established, automatically attempt to establish a wireless connection between the welding screen assembly and welding machine.
12 . The assembly of claim 7 , wherein: the fastening component comprises an O-ring clamp-style connector comprising a half-elliptical-shaped body with an opening configured to fit the handpiece; the O-ring clamp-style connector comprises a first channel configured to receive a first fastening element therethrough; and the first fastening element is twisted to tighten or loosen the O-ring clamp-style connector around the handpiece.
13 . The assembly of claim 12 , wherein: the O-ring clamp-style connector further comprises a stem coupled to the half-elliptical-shaped body; and the stem comprises a second channel configured to receive a second fastening element therethrough.
14 . The assembly of claim 13 , wherein: the protective casing comprises a U-shaped fork coupled thereto; the U-shaped fork comprises an aperture configured to receive the second fastening element therethrough to jointly couple the U-shaped fork to the stem; and the second fastening element is twisted to tighten or loosen the O-ring clamp-style connector, wherein the adjustable opacity dimming screen is configured to be rotatably adjusted relative to the handpiece.
15 . A system, comprising: a welding machine comprising a handpiece; and a welding screen assembly communicatively linked to the welding machine, wherein the welding screen assembly comprises: an adjustable opacity dimming screen; a coupling component configured to detachably couple the adjustable opacity dimming screen to the handpiece, wherein the adjustable opacity dimming screen is configured to be positionably adjustable relative to the handpiece; a light source positioned on a side of the welding screen assembly proximal to a weld site; and a control system configured to adjust an opacity of the adjustable opacity dimming screen.
16 . The system of claim 15 , wherein the adjustable opacity dimming screen comprises a photochromic material configured to adjust the opacity of the adjustable opacity dimming screen in reaction to initiating a welding process by altering an optical property of the photochromic material in response to a change in light conditions surrounding the weld site.
17 . The system of claim 16 , wherein: the welding machine is configured to send a signal to the control system before an initiation of the welding process; and in response to receiving the signal, the control system rapidly darkens the adjustable opacity dimming screen.
18 . The system of claim 15 , further comprising a communication interface configured to establish a wireless or wired connection between the adjustable opacity dimming screen and the welding machine.
19 . The system of claim 15 , wherein the adjustable opacity dimming screen is configured to: move longitudinally along the handpiece according to a preferred position; or rotatably adjust its angle relative to the handpiece according to a preferred viewing angle.
20 . The system of claim 15 , wherein the control system is further configured to: illuminate the light source before initiating a welding operation; and turn off the light source immediately upon initiating the welding operation.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS The present application is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 18/527,996 entitled “Welding Screen Systems”, filed on Dec. 4, 2023. The entire contents of the above-listed application are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. BACKGROUND In the field of welding technology, the primary aim is to enhance safety, visibility, and the overall user experience during welding processes. Welding, a fundamental practice in various industries, involves fusing materials through intense heat. Traditional safety measures, such as protective eyewear like goggles or standalone welding stands, present inherent challenges. The specific field involves the application of welding technology, which is essential for joining materials through the application of intense heat. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present description will be understood more fully when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of various examples of welding screen systems. The description is not meant to limit the welding screen system to the specific examples. Rather, the specific examples depicted and described are provided for explanation and understanding of welding screen systems. Throughout the description the drawings may be referred to as drawings, figures, and/or FIGs. FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of a welding screen system with a welding machine and a welding screen assembly, according to an embodiment; FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a welding screen system with a welding machine and a welding screen assembly, according to an embodiment; FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of coupling component for attaching a welding screen assembly to a handpiece of a welding machine, according to an embodiment; and FIG. 4 illustrates a font view of a welding screen assembly, according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION A welding screen system as disclosed herein will become better understood through a review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures. The detailed description and figures provide merely examples of the various embodiments of welding screen systems. Many variations are contemplated for different applications and design considerations; however, for the sake of brevity and clarity, all the contemplated variations may not be individually described in the following detailed description. Those skilled in the art will understand how the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, and altered and not depart in substance from the scope of the examples described herein. In conventional welding setups, a standard welding screen is typically fixed in position, offering limited flexibility for welders to adjust its location and viewing angle. This static configuration can result in suboptimal visibility during welding, as welders may struggle to align the screen for their preferred viewing angle. Additionally, traditional welding screens lack rapid responsiveness to changing light conditions, potentially exposing welders to intense light during the critical moments before the automatic darkening response kicks in. The existing state of the art presents challenges for welders who require adaptability and swift adjustments in their welding screen setups. The fixed nature of traditional screens can hinder productivity and compromise safety by limiting the welder's ability to tailor the screen's position and angle according to the unique demands of each welding task. Furthermore, the delay in automatic darkening responsiveness exposes welders to potential risks associated with prolonged exposure to intense light. Implementations of a novel welding screen assembly disclosed herein aim to address these challenges by introducing a versatile attachment mechanism. This mechanism allows the welding screen to be adjusted and securely attached along the handpiece of the welding machine, offering welders the flexibility to customize the screen's position based on their preferences and specific welding conditions. The disclosed assembly also features a rapid dimming response, ensuring that the screen darkens swiftly before the initiation of welding, thereby enhancing safety and preventing excessive exposure to intense light. The disclosed embodiment of the welding screen assembly enhances the conventional welding setup by providing welders with an adjustable and rapidly responsive screen. This embodiment allows welders to optimize their viewing angles and improve safety during welding operations. The assembly's adaptability and quick dimming response contribute to increased efficiency and reduced risks associated with prolonged exposure to intense light and therefore address key challenges in the current state of the art. FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of a welding screen system 100 with a welding machine 105 and a welding screen assembly 110, according to an embodiment. The welding screen assembly 110 is adaptable to various we